As you age, you may notice a decline in your physical strength and mental capabilities. You may also experience changes in your visual capacity, especially upon reaching your 40s. Although they are considered part of the normal process of aging, they should not impair your quality of life.
With that in mind, Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic recommend being proactive in maintaining your visual health. Couple with proper care and attention from our eye experts, you can expect clear eyesight even in your golden years. To start with, our reliable Redmond, WA, eye doctor discusses some things you should know about age-related vision changes.
Warning Signs of Age-Related Eye Problems
Your ocular muscles tend to lose their strength as you age, which may lead to shrinking pupils. When this happens, you may have decreased light reactivity and weakened image perception ability. You may also notice limited peripheral vision acuity and color appreciation.
Common Age-Related Eye Diseases
According to our trusted eye doctor in Redmond, WA, you may experience different visual limitations as you age. Here are some of the most common age-related eye problems:
Presbyopia – As early as the age of 40, your lens may start to suffer reduced flexibility. This may lead to difficulties focusing, particularly when viewing close-range objects.
Glaucoma – This happens when you have increased ocular pressure, which may lead to optic nerve compression. If left untreated, this may lead to blindness.
Macular Degeneration – This happens when your retina sustains damage, resulting in a gradual deterioration of your central vision. This is one of the leading causes of blindness among Americans aged 60 years and older.
Cataracts – Aging may also increase protein deposits in your eyes that may cloud your lens. This may result in blurred or distorted image perception. You may also notice decreased color distinction and increased sensitivity to light.
Ways to Preserve Your Eyesight
Although aging and its visual consequences are unavoidable, our reliable eye doctor in Kirkland, WA, recommends some ways to maintain your eyesight. You can start by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. We also advise stopping certain habits like smoking, which has detrimental effects on your eyes.
Visiting your eye doctor regularly is one of the most effective tools for preserving your visual health and maintaining your quality of life. We recommend having a baseline eye exam upon turning 40 years old and every two years thereafter. Depending on your personal circumstances, our suggested frequency may vary.
If you have any further questions on age-related vision problems, call us at (425) 771-8472 (Alderwood Optical) or (425) 485-0430 (Canyon Park Vision Clinic). You can also send us a message to schedule an appointment.